Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into n-alkanes, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules.

Abstract: A method for breaking the cell walls of microalgae includes cultivating microbes in a cultivating liquid, adding microalgae into the cultivating liquid to mix with the microbes, releasing a hydrolysis ferment from the microbes, hydrolyzing cell walls of the microalgae by the hydrolysis ferment of the microbes to decompose the cell walls of the microalgae into saccharide, and removing the microalgae from the cultivating liquid. Thus, the microbes release the hydrolysis ferment after the microalgae touch the microbes so as to hydrolyze and decompose the cell walls of the microalgae in a moderate manner without breaking the contents of the microalgae so that the contents of the microalgae can be released, absorbed and used completely.

Abstract: A method and device for separating particles from a liquid having particles therein, using a filter sized to permit the liquid to flow through pores, while retaining a substantial portion of the particles on the filter, with an absorbent layer contacting the back of the filter to facilitate liquid movement away from the particles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for growing algae are disclosed. For example, disclosed is an exemplary bioreactor for growing algae that includes a chamber, a liquid-permeable membrane that includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed within the chamber. Each hollow fiber membrane can include a hollow interior and may be made of a liquid-permeable, algae-impermeable membrane, and each hollow fiber membrane may be disposed within the chamber. The respective interiors of the hollow fiber membranes may at least partially define an inner-capillary space (ICS). The interior of the chamber and respective exteriors of the hollow fiber membranes may at least partially define an extra-capillary space (ECS). When algae is grown in the ECS, lipids produced by the algae may be extracted from the ECS to the ICS via the hollow fiber membranes without killing the majority of algae and while containing the algae to the ECS.

Abstract: This document discloses electroporation vessels, electrocompetent cells that have been aliquoted and frozen in electroporation vessels, and a number of other apparatuses, kits, and methods for electroporation. Some embodiments of electroporation vessels described herein may include a pair of opposing walls that are downwardly angled toward one another in a gap between two electrode surfaces. Further embodiments of devices and methods described herein may eliminate the need for an end user to transfer competent cells from a capped tube to electroporation cuvette, thereby saving time and producing less waste.

Abstract: A system for removing CO2 from air such as atmospheric air is described that uses a cooling tower, a pseudo-cooling tower, or a wind capture device to provide a large volume of atmospheric air. A CO2 capture apparatus is positioned to contact atmospheric air moving towards or within the cooling tower, pseudo-tower, or wind capture device, and includes wherein the CO2 capture apparatus includes a CO2 binding agent that binds to CO2 in atmospheric air. An associated reprocessing apparatus releases C02 from the binding agent, directs the released CO2 to a CO2 storage chamber, and returns the binding agent to the CO2 capture apparatus. A system for removing CO2 from flue gas is also described.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for supporting the growth of algae cells. In the method, an inoculum of algae cells are grown in a closed bioreactor. Thereafter, the inoculum of algae cells is passed into an open system. Specifically, the inoculum is passed into an expanding plug flow reactor (EPFR) having an increasing width from its first to its second end. Further, medium is introduced into the EPFR to maintain a selected shallow depth. Importantly, the medium provides sufficient nutrients to support logarithmic growth of the algae cells to maintain a high concentration of algae cells, i.e., at least 0.5 grams per liter of medium, in the EPFR. After the desired level of growth is reached, the algae cells are transferred to a standard plug flow reactor wherein oil production is activated in the algae cells.

Abstract: A system is provided for moderating the temperature of a medium for growing microalgae and for distilling fresh water. In the system, the medium flows through a conduit having two ends and a bottom. As the sunlight passes into the medium, the algae grows and the medium is heated. For the system, an impermeable first liner is extended across the conduit to cover the bottom of the conduit. Further, a gas permeable/liquid impermeable second liner is extended across the conduit to cover the bottom of the conduit. With the second liner positioned on top of the first liner, vapor medium is only able to pass through the second liner. Also, a condensing mechanism is positioned between the first and second liners. Any vapor medium that passes through the second liner is condensed into fresh water. As a result, fresh water is distilled and the medium is cooled through condensation.

Abstract: A method for isolating microorganisms from a sample, the sample including sample matrix and microorganisms, the method including the steps of providing a receptacle, the receptacle configured to allow filtering of the sample and to reversibly contain the sample and a concentration agent; adding the sample to the receptacle, wherein a microorganism-bound composition will be formed in the receptacle, the microorganism-bound composition including concentration agent-bound microorganisms and sample matrix; and filtering the microorganism-bound composition through a filter to collect the concentration agent-bound microorganisms on the filter, wherein the filter has an average pore size that is greater than the average size of the microorganisms. Kits and systems are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the production of hydrocarbon based fuel from micro-organisms and algae that comprise algaenan without requiring prior removal of water, as well as the production of hydrocarbon based fuel directly from the algaenan itself. Also disclosed herein are feed material for the processes disclosed herein comprising modified algae and algaenan that selectively produce hydrocarbon of desired chain lengths, along with the process of modifying the algae and algaenan. Also disclosed herein is the production of both hydrocarbon and organic fertilizer from algae without the need to remove the water from the algae prior to processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for collecting algae from an algae containing aqueous solution. The method comprises first, providing an organic coagulant to said solution and mixing the formed solution. Subsequently, an inert inorganic clay material is provided with mixing to the solution for coagulating said algae. The resulting solution is agitated and the algae is separated and collected from the solution.

Abstract: A photobioreactor system for mass production of microorganisms is disclosed. Water with microorganisms suspended therein is sprayed through a nozzle to create droplets. These droplets have a high surface area to volume ratio enabling efficient light transfer and gas diffusion. The water may also be passed through channels between two transparent plates, wherein superior mixing is achieved along with a high surface to volume ratio. The water is preferably circulated through a dark holding tank Active and passive flashing lights of different wavelengths are used to promote growth of the microorganisms when the water is sprayed and/or passing through the transparent plates.

Abstract: A noble metal adsorption agent includes algae or residue of algae having an amino group as a functional group. A noble metal is retrieved by a method including: adsorbing the noble metal on the noble metal adsorption agent; and retrieving the noble metal. The noble metal is solved in a liquid. Thus, by using the noble metal adsorption agent, the noble metal is selectively retrieved.

Abstract: A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.

Abstract: Methods are provided for selecting microbial strains with improved properties for fermentation and/or bioproduct production. A salt selection is employed to identify mutants with improved bioproduct tolerance, titer, or osmotic tolerance relative to a microbial strain from which they were derived.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to processes that integrate CO2-producing conversions of hydrocarbonaceous assets with biofuels processes that utilize CO2 in photosynthesis. In some embodiments, such processes involve the absorption of CO2 in an absorption liquid. In some such embodiments, such absorption is carried out in an absorption tower. In some other such embodiments, there is a subsequent desorption of the CO2. Generally, at least some of the CO2 captured by the absorption liquid is used to grow microbes or diatom species.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to processes that integrate CO2-producing conversions of hydrocarbonaceous assets with biofuels processes that utilize CO2 photosynthesis. In some embodiments such processes involve the absorption of CO2 in an absorption liquid. In some such embodiments such absorption is carried out in an absorption tower. In some other such embodiments, there is a subsequent desorption of the CO2. Generally, at least some of the CO2 captured by the absorption liquid is used to grow microbes or diatom species.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing an amount of unwanted living organisms within an algae cultivation fluid are provided herein. According to some embodiments, methods may include subjecting the algae cultivation fluid to an amount of cavitation, the amount of cavitation being defined by a pressure differential between a downstream pressure and a vapor pressure, the pressure differential divided by half of a product of a fluid density multiplied by a square of a velocity of an apparatus throat.

Abstract: Method for heterologous RNA species and protein production in plant cell mitochondria comprising introducing into plant cells nucleic acid components that encode heterologous proteins/RNAS under the control of promoters operative in mitochondria, vectors, host cells, plants and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing a biogas is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a polyculture of aquatic plants to a growth system; continuously providing water, carbon dioxide, air and nutrients to the polyculture contained within the growth system; growing the polyculture for a time sufficient to produce an aquatic plant-based biomass; withdrawing a portion of the aquatic plant-based biomass contained within the growth system; and treating the withdrawn aquatic plant-based biomass to produce a biogas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for culturing a microalgae biofamily to produce lipids. The method includes growing a microalgae biofamily comprises multiple microalgae species in a liquid medium at a first stress level. A portion of the microalgae are exposed to a second stress level and harvested. Lipids are extracted from the harvested portion. Also disclosed is a system for culturing a microalgae biofamily that comprises an enclosed pond containing microalgae in growth medium and having a sloped bottom, at least one photobioreactor positioned above the pond, and a pump circulating the microalgae-containing growth medium between the pond and the at least one photobioreactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel microalga species and to the use thereof for animal and/or human consumption and in the production of carotenoids. A novel strain of Scenedesmus has been isolated at the Las Palmerillas experimental station, Cajamar, identified as microorganisms that had not been previously registered by the University of Gottinghem and deposited within the Culture Collection of Alagae and Protozoa (CCAP) as Scenedesmus almeriensis. The novel strain, which can be used for animal and/or human consumption, produces large quantities of carotenoids, particularly lutein and beta-carotene. Scenedesmus almeriensis grows adequately in a wide range of temperatures from 10° C. to 40° C. at a pH of between 7 and 9.5 and can tolerate high concentrations of copper, up to 1 mg/L. The microalgal strain is grown in a 4000 L photobioreactor, into which the culture is inserted mechanically, and produces less than 4 mg of lutein per gram of dry material.

Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to a photobioreactor including photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The photobioreactor units are floated on a body of water such as a pond or a lake. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, the photobioreactor units are formed of flexible, deformable material and are configured to provide a substantially constant thickness of liquid medium. In certain embodiments, a barrier between the photobioreactor unit and the body of water upon which the unit is floated facilitates thermal communication between the liquid medium and the body of water.

Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. Reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone of a photobioreactor such that any carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material is received by the phototrophic biomass so as to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass in the aqueous medium. A discharge of the gaseous exhaust material from the gaseous exhaust material producing process is supplied to the reaction zone feed material and defines a gaseous exhaust material reaction zone supply. A supplemental gaseous dilution agent is supplied to the reaction zone feed material.

Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. Reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone of a photobioreactor such that any carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material is received by the phototrophic biomass so as to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass in the aqueous medium. A discharge of the gaseous exhaust material from the gaseous exhaust material producing process is supplied to the reaction zone feed material and defines a gaseous exhaust material reaction zone supply.

Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. Reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone such that any carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material is received by the phototrophic biomass so as to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass in the aqueous medium. A discharge of the gaseous exhaust material from the gaseous exhaust material producing process is supplied to the reaction zone feed material and defines a gaseous exhaust material reaction zone supply. The carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass disposed in the aqueous medium is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation so as to effect photosynthesis.

Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. Reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone such that any carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material is received by the phototrophic biomass so as to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass in the aqueous medium. A discharge of the gaseous exhaust material from the gaseous exhaust material producing process is supplied to the reaction zone feed material and defines a gaseous exhaust material reaction zone supply. The carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass disposed in the aqueous medium is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation so as to effect photosynthesis.

Abstract: A method and system to predict a design of an article of manufacture, which can include the steps of introducing a biological organism into a test environment to activate at least one molecular component of the biological organism representing at least one set of genetic characters of the biological organism; monitoring for change in at least one expression phenomenon pattern in response to the test environment; translating the monitored change in the at least one expression phenomenon pattern into a molecular data profile; interrogating the molecular data profile against a stored database to generate an information pattern of a phenotype correlated to the molecular data profile; and translating the information pattern of the phenotype into a correlated design component of the article of manufacture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bioreactors including a first sheet and a second sheet (one or both of which is substantially transparent to light), wherein the second sheet is disposed adjacent to the first sheet, and the first and second sheets are sealed along a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, a first horizontal edge, a second horizontal edge, and at least one intermediate horizontal seal between the first horizontal edge and the second horizontal edge, thereby forming at least two chambers for holding fluid in series along a vertical axis, wherein each of the two or more chambers is oriented at an angle relative to the vertical axis, wherein the angle is about 0° to about 90° and at least one of the chambers is oriented at an angle greater than 0°, and wherein there is at least one opening in each of the first horizontal edge, the second horizontal edge, and intermediate horizontal seal(s); a support structure comprising at least one horizontal support, wherein the horizontal support is located

Abstract: A liquid culture medium containing photosynthetic organisms dispenses from a droplet generator combined with a screen in the presence of light, and in the presence of a gaseous medium to form a liquid culture medium gas-enriched with the gaseous medium. Specifically, the droplets exiting the droplet generator entrain the gaseous medium. The droplets and entrained gaseous medium then impinge upon a screen. As the droplets and entrained gaseous medium impinge upon the screen, the droplets splatter and change direction and velocity, thereby generating areas of high turbulence around the screen. This high turbulence results in additional and increased mixing of the gaseous medium to create a highly gas-enriched liquid culture medium which promotes improved growth rates and production of the photosynthetic organisms contained therein.

Abstract: A top reference photobioreactor system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible floating photobioreactor having a buoyancy tube filled with a gas that is less dense, and a ballast tube filled with a substance, such as saltwater, that is more dense, than the liquid in which the photobioreactor floats. A top reference photobioreactor method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes controlling a depth of the top reference photobioreactor by controlling a volume and/or density of ballast in the ballast tube and/or by controlling a volume and/or density of gas in the buoyancy tube.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention relates to a device for culturing algae with natural light, including an enclosure with a culturing medium and the algae to be cultured, and a substrate arranged to receive solar radiation in order to perform photoconversion of said solar radiation, the substrate including at least one luminescent compound making it possible to reemit radiation having a spectrum adapted to the optimisation of a biological parameter of interest resulting from the photosynthesis of said algae.

Abstract: A photobioreactor with a gas input is disclosed herein. The photobioreactor is tilted about an axis of rotation at various angles to provide for various flow patterns of bubbles created by the gas input. The flow patterns may vary, but include: bubble flow; slug or plug flow; churn; annular flow; or wispy annular flow. In certain configurations, a bubble flowing through the photobioreactor may increase algae growth within the reactor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for growing photosynthetic cells that may be used to produce a biomass. The systems and methods recycle liquid and can produce a high cell concentration harvested biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing fatty acids, by inoculating a mixture of at least one of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin with a microorganism strain and an algae strain, and growing said inoculated strains under successive aerobic-heterotrophic and either anaerobic-phototrophic or anaerobic-heterotrophic conditions creating symbiosis between the strains. Under a first aerobic-heterotrophic condition, the microorganism strain produces extracellulases that hydrolyze cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, to produce sugars, such as glucose, cellobiose, xylose, mannose, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose or other hemicellulose sugars that are metabolized by the algae strain which also metabolizes acetic acid, glucose and hemicellulose from pretreatment.

Abstract: A photobioreactor includes a cultivation zone configured to contain a liquid culture medium and facilitate growth of a microalgae biomass, a plurality of parallel edge-lit light transmitting devices mounted within the cultivation zone, and a collection zone oriented in relation to the cultivation zone such that at least a portion of the liquid culture medium and microalgae from the cultivation zone may be periodically harvested. Methods for illuminating algae, for dissolving materials into an algae medium, for extracting oil from algae, and for producing biodiesel from algal oil are also provided.

Abstract: A method of increasing yield of cultivated algae, which entails the step of cultivating one or more species of algae in the presence of one or more species of PPFM bacteria, for at least a portion of the algae cultivation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a palatable, stable composition comprising a biomass hydrolysate emulsion for incorporation, into, or used as, nutritional products, cosmetic products or pharmaceutical products. Preferred sources for biomass are microbial sources, plant sources and animal sources. The present invention also provides methods for making such compositions, specifically, a method for producing a product comprising a nutrient, particularly a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, comprising hydrolyzing a biomass comprising the nutrient and emulsifying the hydrolyzed biomass. Such compositions and methods are useful, for example, for increasing intake of nutrients such as omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids having 18 or more carbons.

Abstract: Embodiments herein concern compositions, methods and uses for harvesting suspension cultures or decontaminating waters. In certain embodiments, suspension microorganism cultures can comprise algal cultures. In some embodiments, harvesting suspension cultures may include using a composition capable of interacting with the culture in order to separate the culture from a liquid or media.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to a mutant strain of Parietochloris incisa, characterized in comprising a substantially reduced intracellular concentration of arachidonic acid (AA) together with a substantially increased intracellular concentration of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid 20:3?6 (DGLA).

Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into n-alkanes, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules.

Abstract: Consumption of blue-green algae, or extracts thereof, enhances trafficking or homing of stem cells in animals by inducing a transient increase in the population of stem cells present in the animal's circulatory system. The animal may be healthy or suffering some disease or physiological condition.

Abstract: A method for culturing algae comprising, forming an emulsion comprising a gaseous stream and a media utilizing a high shear device, wherein the emulsion comprises gas bubbles, and wherein the high shear device comprises at least one toothed rotor and at least one stator; introducing the emulsion into a bioreactor; and introducing an algae into the bioreactor for growing the algae culture. Additionally, a method for producing liquids from an algae culture, the method comprising forming an emulsion comprising a buffer and algal components, wherein the emulsion comprises algal component globules; separating algal hydrocarbons; and processing algal hydrocarbons to form liquid hydrocarbons. Additionally, a system for producing liquids from an algae culture comprising at least one high shear device.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of cultivating microalgae photoautotrophically outdoors to prepare concentrated microalgae products containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) docosahexaenoic acid, two long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil that are very important for human and animal health. It also provides concentrated microalgae products containing EPA and DHA and purified lipid products containing EPA and DHA purified from microalgae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multistory system for using waste carbon dioxide and waste heat to facilitate cultivation of photosynthetic organisms. In particular, the present invention relates to a multistory system with the incorporation of upconverting and downconverting luminescent materials and other components suitable for enhancing growth of photosynthetic organisms.

Abstract: A method for producing an algal biomass that readily separable from water, and preferably sterile, the method comprising heating an aqueous slurry of algae comprising a mixture of an algal biomass, optionally together with a suitable separation agent, and water in a pressure vessel at a temperature of about 140° C. to about 300° C. and a pressure sufficient to maintain the liquid phase. The method produces an algal biomass that is more readily separable from water and an aqueous phase containing organic chemicals.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this application relates to a novel biodegradable additive polymer composition useful for the preparation of biodegradable plastic products which comprises of a mixture of (i) a polymer selected from Polyethylene, polypropylene, poly styrene, poly vinyl chloride or a mixture thereof (ii) Cellulose (iii) Amides (iv) nutrients selected from Blue green algae and/or Yeast and (v) Water. This composition can be mixed with a virgin polymer to get a master polymer. The master batch composition may be mixed with a virgin polymer, which is useful for preparing products which are biodegradable.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode novel fatty acid desaturase family members. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing desaturase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for large-scale production of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), e.g., DHA.

Abstract: A method to produce high density microalgae having high lipid concentration in mass culture including the steps of inoculating a vessel with microalgae at mid-log phase to a depth greater than 25 cm. Then culturing the microalgae to a preselected target density threshold, bringing the microalgae to stationary phase, manipulating growth parameters to maximize lipid concentration and harvesting the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of an active ionic liquid to dissolve algae cell walls. The ionic liquid is used to, in an energy efficient manner, dissolve and/or lyse an algae cell walls, which releases algae constituents used in the creation of energy, fuel, and/or cosmetic components. The ionic liquids include ionic salts having multiple charge centers, low, very low, and ultra low melting point ionic liquids, and combinations of ionic liquids. An algae treatment system is described, which processes wet algae in a lysing reactor, separates out algae constituent products, and optionally recovers the ionic liquid in an energy efficient manner.